INCI page

BEHENYL ALCOHOL

Last update on Mar 19, 2023
Behenyl alcohol also referred to as 1-docosanol, is a 22-carbon aliphatic alcohol, that works as a thickening, opacifying, emollient, and emulsifying agent that can be made synthetically or from plants. It functions as a hydrating component as well. It also works as a stabilizer and is used in personal care products like scrubs and body butters. It is a fatty alcohol that is unlike the drying alcohols. It is a waxy, white solid in its unprocessed state.
CAS Number: 661-19-8Chem/IUPAC Name: Docosan-1-olEINECS/ELINCS No: 211-546-6COSING REF No: 74589

Products with BEHENYL ALCOHOL

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Prolipid™ 141 lamellar gel

by Ashland

INCI: BEHENYL ALCOHOL | CETYL ALCOHOL | GLYCERYL STEARATE | LAURYL ALCOHOL | LECITHIN | MYRISTYL ALCOHOL | PALMITIC ACID | STEARIC ACID
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What is BEHENYL ALCOHOL used for?

Behenyl alcohol works as a texture enhancer to improve the appearance and feel of the product. It is also an opacifier and a thickener-cum-stabilizer which helps to regulate the viscosity of the product. It is also an emollient and an emulsifier for cosmetics and personal care products.
  • Skin care: It works as an emollient to soften and soothe the skin. After topical application, it forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface that prevents moisture loss and keeps the skin hydrated
  • Hair care: It works as an emollient in hair products to increase the hair’s moisture content and makes it more manageable

Origin

Behenyl alcohol is produced via a high-temperature, high-pressure, catalytic hydrogenation of fatty acids, and can also be produced via the Ziegler process. Alternatively, it can also be obtained from vegetable sources.

What does BEHENYL ALCOHOL do in a formulation?

EMOLLIENT|
EMULSIFYING|
OPACIFYING|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Safety Profile

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has examined the toxicity of long-chain aliphatic alcohols, including behenyl alcohol. After reviewing the available research, the CIR Expert Panel came to the conclusion that these fatty alcohols were suitable for use as cosmetic ingredients. It does not cause skin irritation or sensitization.

BEHENYL ALCOHOL alternatives

BEHENYL ALCOHOL technical profile

Property Values
Boiling Point 375-376°C at 760 mm Hg
Melting Point 65-72°C
Solubility Insoluble in water
Soluble in ethanol, methanol, petroleum ether